9 drabbles (for OUATLAND Bingo)
In a vain attempt to get a blackout bingo, I failed but I tried...
INDEX:
1. Children Will Listen (August/Macro-Trust)
Marco finds his boy.
2. Fate or Choice (Granny-Memories in the moonlight)
Granny remembers what it was like to be young.
3. Should have been (Ashley/Sean-hearbreak)
Ashely tries to cope with the fact she carried her daughter for almost 30 years.
4. To Meet You (Jiminy Cricket-Wishful thinking)
Jiminy Cricket meets Red Riding Hood for the first time and suddenly wonders if true love is real or is it wishful thinking...
5. Everything (Ruby/Archie-Kiss)
Archie gets a surprise.
6. Worship (Ruby/Archie-Desire)
She was everything he ever desired, and he cannot believe she's his.
7. A Little Happiness (Cupcake)
Nothing says happiness like a cupcake.
8. Hurtful Truths (hurt/comfort)
The most hurtful thing is the truth.
9. Charming Angels (halloween costumes)
Belle and Ruby go shopping for Belle's first Halloween.
1
Title: Children Will Listen
Prompt: August/Marco-trust
Word Count: 350
“Do you trust me, Papa?” August asked, as his wooden hand reached out, with the jerking movements of a marionette. It was like someone was pulling the strings so carefully, but Marco knew that it was how hard it was for his boy to move. It was breaking his heart to see it. It made him think back to the days when he had just carved the boy…
Pulling himself from his thoughts, he nodded, “Of course I do, my boy,” he insisted.
Taking August’s hand, he placed his cheek against the top of the wooden hand, the wood was not as smooth as it was when he originally carved him, the hand was larger than he remembered. It reminded him of all the time they had lost…a sob grew within him and Marco began to cry.
“Shhh Papa,” August whispered, trying in vain to try to stroke his back the best he could. Suddenly, the cold, hard wood beneath his cheek began to feel warm. Jerking up, Marco looked down to see where his tears had once been, was starting to turn from a chestnut color to warm, pink flesh. “Papa…” August whispered, his voice hushed in wonder.
His movements became more fluid as he examined his hands and arms. Slowly, the wood began to fade away to flesh, and with a hard inhale, August’s whole body shuddered. For one moment, Marco thought he was going to collapse. But he didn’t, instead, his son smile and reached for him. His hands, this time made of flesh, cupped his face. “Once again Papa, your faith, your trust, your love of me, has saved my life.”
“Any father would do the same,” he assured him, kissing his palms.
August laughed softly, “No, Papa, you have been the most wonderful parent a child ever needed. You gave everything for me and I hope that now I can finally breathe again that I can finally make it right. I can be the man you’ve needed me to be.”
“You already are,” Marco assured him, drawing him into his arms, “I love you, Pinocchio.”
“I love you too, Papa.”
2
Title: Fate or Choice
Prompt: Granny-memories in the moonlight
Word Count: 257
As her eyes beheld the full moon, she smiled. She could feel her blood warm, not as hot as it used to burn but it was still enough to make her body hum. This night reminded her so much of the night she was changed. The charge in the air that was particular to that of battle ready men. She hated to admit it, but she loved War. Though most would think she would like to spend her “golden years” in peace, but no. She lived for the excitement and carnage. Granted as a Grandmother she thought those urges would over but no, they even grew stronger as the years passed.
Maybe it was always what she was meant to be? She supposed, most girls would have been dainty little Princesses but no…not her. Not when your Father was the biggest and bravest King of all the Lands, he was known as the Bear King for a reason. Alas, seeing him fall to a wolf was the worst kind of fate, but it wasn’t his fault, not when the wolf had the intelligence of a man and had been a ruthless hunter for years. But she got her vengeance…becoming a widow was her choice and something she did as soon as she discovered she gave birth to a wolf cub. But as far as Red would ever know, her Grandfather went peacefully due to a fever…though she couldn’t suppress the grin that came on her face. It was for the better and in the end, it was.
3
Title: Should have been
Prompt: Ashley/Sean-heartbreak
Word Count: 264
As Alexandra slumbered peacefully, Ashley looked up to Sean, who was studying her quietly from the door way. He held out his hand to her and with one last look to her daughter she crossed to her fiancé…or was it husband. Being both was sometimes tricky…and it’s what was breaking her heart. She knew he sensed it, given he gathered her into his arms, holding her tight. It felt so good to be in his arms on a normal day but now they had both lives in their heads, it meant so much more.
“Talk to me,” he murmured into the top of her head, his lips brushing her soft, vanilla scented hair.
Ashley swallowed, “It’s been 28 years, Thomas,” she needed to call him by his true name, “Alexandra should be Emma’s age, she should have her own children! Doesn’t it break your heart?”
“Of course,” he assured her, holding her tighter, “But if she had been all this time, I wouldn’t have been in her life, which is worse? She still would have been frozen at this age and I wouldn’t have been there at all to see her,” he reminded her. “Ella, my love, this is destiny, we’re together again. And this way I didn’t miss out on her life, I wouldn’t have been able to take a moment without her.”
She nodded, “You’re right, it just hurt sometimes, know that all this time we should have been a family.”
“But we are now, as we should be,” he assured her, “And I’m never letting either one of you go again.”
4
Title: to meet you
Prompt: Jiminy-wishful thinking
Word Count: 269
As he gazed across the table to the woman, she was eye catching even to one as small as himself. Save for her face and hands, she was clad head to toe in red. She was silent but ever watchful, he knew her as Red Riding Hood. He heard talk amongst the forest of what her true nature was, her pretty face was a decoy from the wolf that hide beneath her skin.
He wanted to tell her he knew exactly what that was like. That this form hide what he was. All these people knew him as a cricket, they never knew he had been human. That he was born, just like them, grew just like them, like the life within Snow White…but that was something he’d never experience, but as he looked at this woman he wanted to.
He wanted to know what it was like to share a kiss, a life, a love. Maybe this was the way one true love felt like, he wasn’t sure, up to this point he thought it was a myth. But maybe it was all just wishful thinking, but it couldn’t hurt to introduce himself to her. As the table parted and the girl placed her hands on the solid wood given a place had opened up, he crossed to her in a few jumps.
“Hello, Miss Riding Hood, I’m Jiminy Cricket. It’s a pleasure to meet you,” he said, bowing to her.
Her chuckle reached him like a warm wave, “It is nice to meet you, dear Jiminy. I have heard much about you,” she said, bowing in return.
5
Title: Everything
Prompt: Ruby/archie-kiss
Word Count: 253
He didn’t mean for it to happen, honest. She was standing there, attracting every person in the room’s attention in her tight red dress, especially his. He couldn’t help it, it was like a moth to a flame…or cricket to…well the one woman in the world he desired. The party was the first celebration he could remember in the longest time. The situation was a bit bizarre given it was a party celebrating their beloved Mary Margaret Blanchard didn’t murder Kathryn Nolan.
“H-h-h-hi Ruby,” he managed to sputter out when she turned towards him, casting him the most radiant smile.
The grin never vanished as she beheld him, in fact he thought she looked happier, “Hey Arch! Having fun?”
“I am now,” he told her, then caught what he accidentally let slide but the look that took over her face let him know he didn’t have to regret it.
She came closer, her fingers brushed his arm, “You’re too sweet. What’s so special about little ol’ me?” It bothered him that she seemed genuinely perplexed by the way people…and especially him, fawned over her.
“Everything,” he blurted, he reached out and cupped her cheek, his thumb running over her cheekbone.
Ruby’s mouth hung open in an ‘o’ of surprise, then without warning, she launched herself at his face. With startling accuracy she captured his lips with hers. Nothing mattered to him, not the crowd watching, not the fact some people were whispered and some were cheering. The only thing that mattered was her.
6
Title: Worship
Prompt: Ruby/Archie-Desire
Word Count: 251
Desire. It was like the word was created at first sight of her. He had no idea how this night came to this but knew if he were to die the next morning, he was truly happy.
The moon eliminated the room, her long dark hair cascaded passed her shoulders to almost her waist. Her pale skin was almost glowing. Standing there in her long silk night gown, she looked like a Goddess. If she were to say the word he would fall at her feet and worship her. He just may before the night is out, he decided. To have been given this chance with her, it was beyond his wildest dreams.
“Archie?” she was trying not to laugh, he shook his head, hoping to break the spell but it didn’t. She still looked so unearthly. “What is it?”
“You look like a Goddess,” he murmured, “I shouldn’t be here.”
She reached for him, gathering his face in her hands, smiling at him, “Of course you should, there is no one in this world I would rather have. No one has ever been able to understand…you, you see me for all I am, and still love me. You know the wicked, the good, everything. And it does not scare you, does not make you flinch. In fact, you love me more and love me harder than anyone I’ve ever known. I’ve seen love in all forms and you are the one, my one. It’s all I could ever ask for.”
7
Title: a little happiness
Prompt: Cupcake
Word Count: 640
Jack Harlan, better known as Happy the Dwarf bit his brothers a good night as they left the minds. Another day with no results, no magic, nothing but rocks. But he did not dismay, tomorrow was another day and it could be their lucky day. As he headed home, he passed the restaurant he used to work (Luscious) at and a small hint of guilt filled him. Jessica Landry, his boss, was still inside, he could see her moving around, closing it up by herself. The dim lights barely let him see in.
After all, he and his brother Bashful, or Scott Gilbert were gone to the mines now; he knew most of her staff hadn’t returned either. But he knew that with her tenacity that Jessica could run the place by herself. No, he reminded himself, her name was not Jessica. Her name was Lily, a girl from a long forgotten tale. He watched as she stopped in the middle of the restaurant, then her shoulders sank and she lifted her hand to her face. Her fingers rested on her forehead and her cheek, cradling her face as she visibly sighed in exhaustion.
Then an idea came to him, like a bolt from the blue and he raced home. He had been her pastry chef for all these years and there was one clear memory from the fog of all the passing time that continued on when the curse began to wear off. Cupcakes. She loved his cupcakes, especially his confetti cheesecake cupcakes. Quick as the recipe would allow, he made a batch and hurried back to Luscious. He rapped his knuckles against the glass door, he heard he muffled call then her thin form rushing towards him.
She seemed surprised as she opened the door, “Jack, what are you doing here?” she asked, he was pleased that she hadn’t noticed he was holding something.
He held it up in front of her, grinning, “Confetti cheesecake cupcakes,” he sang out. He laughed as her jaw dropped and she seized the bag. As she hurried over to the closest table, he closed the door and when he looked at her, she had one stuffed in her mouth and one more in her hand.
“Thank you,” she said, voice muffled by cupcake and by her hand in way of her mouth so he couldn’t see her talking with her mouth full. Something she hadn’t really cared about in the last 30 years. “It’s just what I needed,” she said as she swallowed.
He grinned, “I figured. I’m sorry I haven’t been back,” he apologized, not surprised when she waved off his apology.
“It’s fine, I understand,” she insisted, “You need to find magic, you need to save Snow White and her daughter. I know.”
“But I didn’t mean to abandon you, I feel bad,” he told her.
She just arched her brow, “Really? Because you look Happy,” she teased, “It’s fine. If I have to shut down, maybe it’s for the best, who knows how much longer we’ll be here anyways.”
“Lily,” he sighed, shaking his head, “You know that’s just my nature, but you can’t give up. That’s not you, it’s not either one of you. Just stay strong and I’ll see what I can do about coming back more often,” he told her, grabbing her hand and giving it a squeeze. She managed a weak smile, but he knew he well and saw that small hint of the look she usually got when she got something that pleased her. He stood, pressing a small kiss to her forehead, then he realized what he did and hurried out. Casting one look back at her, he saw her smiling shyly, which made him blush. He knew this was leading to trouble, especially because dwarves were not meant to fall in love.
8
Title: hurtful truths
Prompt: Hurt/Comfort
Word Count: 667
Love. The one thing he couldn’t have. He wasn’t supposed to have. But he felt it. He knew it wasn’t a dream, it wasn’t a spell. After all, he was part human now. Happy, or Jack Harlan as he went by in town, swallowed. He knew if Grumpy, found out, well he’d be grumpier than usual, furious even. A sigh escaped Happy but he couldn’t wipe the smile from his face. Not when he saw her.
As the dwarves, well the six that remained dined for free at the most high end restaurant in town, he had the worst feeling he was going to get caught. Butterflies were whooshing in his stomach but he couldn’t help it. Grumpy continued to complain why they were there while Bashful calmly explained that their former boss wanted to do something nice for them. That was the story Happy had told them.
“Hey Jack, could you give me a hand?” came Lily’s voice from the kitchen.
Excusing himself from the table, he headed for the kitchen, where six plates of food were almost complete. She looked happier than she had from their last encounter. She looked in her element, perfect and in control, he swallowed.
“Earth to Jack,” she sang, snapping him from his thoughts.
“Sorry,” he apologized, “Uh, hey, can I tell you something?” he asked.
She didn’t look up from the stove, given she was a one woman crew in the kitchen, “Sure.”
“I, I think I’m starting to fall in love with you.”
Lily stopped, turned and blinked at him, “Did the constant flirting and sexual tension of the last 28 years just hit you? Yeah I was a hard ass, but did you realized it was always focused on you?”
“That’s not the point, Lily. I told you, dwarves can’t fall in love. But I am. I don’t…what if…I don’t want to hurt you. I couldn’t take it if I caused you pain.”
“That goes against you being Happy,” she joked, when he frowned at her she gave a sheepish smile, “Sorry.”
He sighed, “No, I mean, usually I’d try to be gentler about the whole situation but as you said, we don’t know how much time we have left in this world and I want to spend it with you.”
“The hell you are!” came Grumpy’s voice, they both jumped at his sudden appearance in the kitchen. “You can’t. You know this, you’ve seen what it’s done to me.”
“Oh, so you weren’t blessed with this lovely attitude?” Lily asked, her hands coming to rest on her hips, eyes set.
Grumpy let out a forceful chuckle, “No. I was born Dreamy, until the love of my life was ripped from me. And I became Grumpy. Do you want to ruin him like I was ruined? We need him as he is, we need Happy. We’re already down two Brothers from our team, don’t make it three. Let’s go.” he snapped.
Jack looked to Lily, who nodded, “It’s for the best,” she whispered.
Feeling his heart break, he turned around, following his brother from the kitchen, but not before he heard her start to cry.
It was later that evening, after a day of lecturing from Grumpy about how he had betrayed them. Lying to them about lunch just so he could get a piece of ass, how love gets you nowhere. All day, for hours, until Grumpy damn near lost his voice. He heard a knock on his door, climbing to his feet, he winced, it was not easy to get up after the long labor filled day he had. He was surprised to find Lily standing on his porch, looking up at him with her big doe eyes. “Screw him,” she stated, “That man can’t tell me how to live my life.”
“But he’s right,” Jack sighed, “And you-“
“I’ll live. At least I’ll have the memories, let Grumpy wallow, I’m staying.” she insisted, walking in past him as he closed the door behind him.
9
Title: Charming Angels
Prompts: Halloween Costumes
Word Count: 446
“This is ridiculous! What is this atrocity?” Belle demanded as an outfit came dangled over the curtain.
“It’s your Halloween Costume! Now shut up and put it on!” came the laughter of Ruby Lucas from the other side of the curtain.
Belle scoffed at it, it was an insult to be called clothing. It was short, tight and accentuated her in ways and made her look just obscene.
“Come ouuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuut!” Ruby was calling from behind the curtain, “Come out or I’m coming innnnnnnnnnnn!”
Belle couldn’t stop the ‘eep’ that left her mouth, “No! Don’t! People will-“
This made Ruby laugh harder, “Oh, they will think lots of things, especially because it’s me. But seriously, its only me back here, I’m the only one who can see you!”
“Fine! Fine!” Belle stated, she seized either side of the curtain and ripped them apart, and was not expecting Ruby’s jaw to drop. “What?” she demanded, crossing her arms over her chest in anger…and to hide the ample amount of cleavage the outfit showed.
Ruby just continued to stare, “Wow,” she breathed. “Don’t take this the wrong way but you’ve always been a mousey little thing with no sex appeal but now, even I’d do you.”
“RUBY!” Belle squealed, then grabbed the curtain and wrapped it around herself.
The other girl shrugged, “What? Honey, this isn’t our old world, ain’t no shame in telling your best friend how hot she looks. It’s a compliment or a come on, that’s up to you,” she winked.
“You’re impossible! Remind me why I’m friend with you,” Belle sighed, letting the curtain go and let out a yelp as Ruby spun her around. Belle looked at herself in the mirror, the costume which was apparently supposed to be a sexy representation of…well it was supposed to be an angel but with the lace up dress that left a tiny strip of her skin exposed from between her chest and down to her hips and tiny skirt, it certainly didn’t live up to its angelic inspiration.
“You love me,” Ruby grinned.
Belle laughed and couldn’t argue, “I do. But it could be worse, I could be wearing what you’re wearing,” she joked, looking back at Ruby who was wearing an outfit that was titled “Charming Cricket”. It was a seven piece costume with a velvet tail coat with high collar, lace up back suede corset (that stopped right above Ruby’s navel), suede shorts (which were more like underwear), a neckerchief and a mini top hat.
“Nah, you don’t have my ba-courage, I’ll say courage,” she grinned.
Belle smiled, “Not this year,” she confirmed, “But we’ll see how this goes.”
“That’s my girl!” Ruby cheered.
**Note, these costumes actually are real. If you search for Charming Cricket, you might find it. Beware its not really work safe ;)
----
Hope you enjoy!!
I'm dead now...
INDEX:
1. Children Will Listen (August/Macro-Trust)
Marco finds his boy.
2. Fate or Choice (Granny-Memories in the moonlight)
Granny remembers what it was like to be young.
3. Should have been (Ashley/Sean-hearbreak)
Ashely tries to cope with the fact she carried her daughter for almost 30 years.
4. To Meet You (Jiminy Cricket-Wishful thinking)
Jiminy Cricket meets Red Riding Hood for the first time and suddenly wonders if true love is real or is it wishful thinking...
5. Everything (Ruby/Archie-Kiss)
Archie gets a surprise.
6. Worship (Ruby/Archie-Desire)
She was everything he ever desired, and he cannot believe she's his.
7. A Little Happiness (Cupcake)
Nothing says happiness like a cupcake.
8. Hurtful Truths (hurt/comfort)
The most hurtful thing is the truth.
9. Charming Angels (halloween costumes)
Belle and Ruby go shopping for Belle's first Halloween.
1
Title: Children Will Listen
Prompt: August/Marco-trust
Word Count: 350
“Do you trust me, Papa?” August asked, as his wooden hand reached out, with the jerking movements of a marionette. It was like someone was pulling the strings so carefully, but Marco knew that it was how hard it was for his boy to move. It was breaking his heart to see it. It made him think back to the days when he had just carved the boy…
Pulling himself from his thoughts, he nodded, “Of course I do, my boy,” he insisted.
Taking August’s hand, he placed his cheek against the top of the wooden hand, the wood was not as smooth as it was when he originally carved him, the hand was larger than he remembered. It reminded him of all the time they had lost…a sob grew within him and Marco began to cry.
“Shhh Papa,” August whispered, trying in vain to try to stroke his back the best he could. Suddenly, the cold, hard wood beneath his cheek began to feel warm. Jerking up, Marco looked down to see where his tears had once been, was starting to turn from a chestnut color to warm, pink flesh. “Papa…” August whispered, his voice hushed in wonder.
His movements became more fluid as he examined his hands and arms. Slowly, the wood began to fade away to flesh, and with a hard inhale, August’s whole body shuddered. For one moment, Marco thought he was going to collapse. But he didn’t, instead, his son smile and reached for him. His hands, this time made of flesh, cupped his face. “Once again Papa, your faith, your trust, your love of me, has saved my life.”
“Any father would do the same,” he assured him, kissing his palms.
August laughed softly, “No, Papa, you have been the most wonderful parent a child ever needed. You gave everything for me and I hope that now I can finally breathe again that I can finally make it right. I can be the man you’ve needed me to be.”
“You already are,” Marco assured him, drawing him into his arms, “I love you, Pinocchio.”
“I love you too, Papa.”
2
Title: Fate or Choice
Prompt: Granny-memories in the moonlight
Word Count: 257
As her eyes beheld the full moon, she smiled. She could feel her blood warm, not as hot as it used to burn but it was still enough to make her body hum. This night reminded her so much of the night she was changed. The charge in the air that was particular to that of battle ready men. She hated to admit it, but she loved War. Though most would think she would like to spend her “golden years” in peace, but no. She lived for the excitement and carnage. Granted as a Grandmother she thought those urges would over but no, they even grew stronger as the years passed.
Maybe it was always what she was meant to be? She supposed, most girls would have been dainty little Princesses but no…not her. Not when your Father was the biggest and bravest King of all the Lands, he was known as the Bear King for a reason. Alas, seeing him fall to a wolf was the worst kind of fate, but it wasn’t his fault, not when the wolf had the intelligence of a man and had been a ruthless hunter for years. But she got her vengeance…becoming a widow was her choice and something she did as soon as she discovered she gave birth to a wolf cub. But as far as Red would ever know, her Grandfather went peacefully due to a fever…though she couldn’t suppress the grin that came on her face. It was for the better and in the end, it was.
3
Title: Should have been
Prompt: Ashley/Sean-heartbreak
Word Count: 264
As Alexandra slumbered peacefully, Ashley looked up to Sean, who was studying her quietly from the door way. He held out his hand to her and with one last look to her daughter she crossed to her fiancé…or was it husband. Being both was sometimes tricky…and it’s what was breaking her heart. She knew he sensed it, given he gathered her into his arms, holding her tight. It felt so good to be in his arms on a normal day but now they had both lives in their heads, it meant so much more.
“Talk to me,” he murmured into the top of her head, his lips brushing her soft, vanilla scented hair.
Ashley swallowed, “It’s been 28 years, Thomas,” she needed to call him by his true name, “Alexandra should be Emma’s age, she should have her own children! Doesn’t it break your heart?”
“Of course,” he assured her, holding her tighter, “But if she had been all this time, I wouldn’t have been in her life, which is worse? She still would have been frozen at this age and I wouldn’t have been there at all to see her,” he reminded her. “Ella, my love, this is destiny, we’re together again. And this way I didn’t miss out on her life, I wouldn’t have been able to take a moment without her.”
She nodded, “You’re right, it just hurt sometimes, know that all this time we should have been a family.”
“But we are now, as we should be,” he assured her, “And I’m never letting either one of you go again.”
4
Title: to meet you
Prompt: Jiminy-wishful thinking
Word Count: 269
As he gazed across the table to the woman, she was eye catching even to one as small as himself. Save for her face and hands, she was clad head to toe in red. She was silent but ever watchful, he knew her as Red Riding Hood. He heard talk amongst the forest of what her true nature was, her pretty face was a decoy from the wolf that hide beneath her skin.
He wanted to tell her he knew exactly what that was like. That this form hide what he was. All these people knew him as a cricket, they never knew he had been human. That he was born, just like them, grew just like them, like the life within Snow White…but that was something he’d never experience, but as he looked at this woman he wanted to.
He wanted to know what it was like to share a kiss, a life, a love. Maybe this was the way one true love felt like, he wasn’t sure, up to this point he thought it was a myth. But maybe it was all just wishful thinking, but it couldn’t hurt to introduce himself to her. As the table parted and the girl placed her hands on the solid wood given a place had opened up, he crossed to her in a few jumps.
“Hello, Miss Riding Hood, I’m Jiminy Cricket. It’s a pleasure to meet you,” he said, bowing to her.
Her chuckle reached him like a warm wave, “It is nice to meet you, dear Jiminy. I have heard much about you,” she said, bowing in return.
5
Title: Everything
Prompt: Ruby/archie-kiss
Word Count: 253
He didn’t mean for it to happen, honest. She was standing there, attracting every person in the room’s attention in her tight red dress, especially his. He couldn’t help it, it was like a moth to a flame…or cricket to…well the one woman in the world he desired. The party was the first celebration he could remember in the longest time. The situation was a bit bizarre given it was a party celebrating their beloved Mary Margaret Blanchard didn’t murder Kathryn Nolan.
“H-h-h-hi Ruby,” he managed to sputter out when she turned towards him, casting him the most radiant smile.
The grin never vanished as she beheld him, in fact he thought she looked happier, “Hey Arch! Having fun?”
“I am now,” he told her, then caught what he accidentally let slide but the look that took over her face let him know he didn’t have to regret it.
She came closer, her fingers brushed his arm, “You’re too sweet. What’s so special about little ol’ me?” It bothered him that she seemed genuinely perplexed by the way people…and especially him, fawned over her.
“Everything,” he blurted, he reached out and cupped her cheek, his thumb running over her cheekbone.
Ruby’s mouth hung open in an ‘o’ of surprise, then without warning, she launched herself at his face. With startling accuracy she captured his lips with hers. Nothing mattered to him, not the crowd watching, not the fact some people were whispered and some were cheering. The only thing that mattered was her.
6
Title: Worship
Prompt: Ruby/Archie-Desire
Word Count: 251
Desire. It was like the word was created at first sight of her. He had no idea how this night came to this but knew if he were to die the next morning, he was truly happy.
The moon eliminated the room, her long dark hair cascaded passed her shoulders to almost her waist. Her pale skin was almost glowing. Standing there in her long silk night gown, she looked like a Goddess. If she were to say the word he would fall at her feet and worship her. He just may before the night is out, he decided. To have been given this chance with her, it was beyond his wildest dreams.
“Archie?” she was trying not to laugh, he shook his head, hoping to break the spell but it didn’t. She still looked so unearthly. “What is it?”
“You look like a Goddess,” he murmured, “I shouldn’t be here.”
She reached for him, gathering his face in her hands, smiling at him, “Of course you should, there is no one in this world I would rather have. No one has ever been able to understand…you, you see me for all I am, and still love me. You know the wicked, the good, everything. And it does not scare you, does not make you flinch. In fact, you love me more and love me harder than anyone I’ve ever known. I’ve seen love in all forms and you are the one, my one. It’s all I could ever ask for.”
7
Title: a little happiness
Prompt: Cupcake
Word Count: 640
Jack Harlan, better known as Happy the Dwarf bit his brothers a good night as they left the minds. Another day with no results, no magic, nothing but rocks. But he did not dismay, tomorrow was another day and it could be their lucky day. As he headed home, he passed the restaurant he used to work (Luscious) at and a small hint of guilt filled him. Jessica Landry, his boss, was still inside, he could see her moving around, closing it up by herself. The dim lights barely let him see in.
After all, he and his brother Bashful, or Scott Gilbert were gone to the mines now; he knew most of her staff hadn’t returned either. But he knew that with her tenacity that Jessica could run the place by herself. No, he reminded himself, her name was not Jessica. Her name was Lily, a girl from a long forgotten tale. He watched as she stopped in the middle of the restaurant, then her shoulders sank and she lifted her hand to her face. Her fingers rested on her forehead and her cheek, cradling her face as she visibly sighed in exhaustion.
Then an idea came to him, like a bolt from the blue and he raced home. He had been her pastry chef for all these years and there was one clear memory from the fog of all the passing time that continued on when the curse began to wear off. Cupcakes. She loved his cupcakes, especially his confetti cheesecake cupcakes. Quick as the recipe would allow, he made a batch and hurried back to Luscious. He rapped his knuckles against the glass door, he heard he muffled call then her thin form rushing towards him.
She seemed surprised as she opened the door, “Jack, what are you doing here?” she asked, he was pleased that she hadn’t noticed he was holding something.
He held it up in front of her, grinning, “Confetti cheesecake cupcakes,” he sang out. He laughed as her jaw dropped and she seized the bag. As she hurried over to the closest table, he closed the door and when he looked at her, she had one stuffed in her mouth and one more in her hand.
“Thank you,” she said, voice muffled by cupcake and by her hand in way of her mouth so he couldn’t see her talking with her mouth full. Something she hadn’t really cared about in the last 30 years. “It’s just what I needed,” she said as she swallowed.
He grinned, “I figured. I’m sorry I haven’t been back,” he apologized, not surprised when she waved off his apology.
“It’s fine, I understand,” she insisted, “You need to find magic, you need to save Snow White and her daughter. I know.”
“But I didn’t mean to abandon you, I feel bad,” he told her.
She just arched her brow, “Really? Because you look Happy,” she teased, “It’s fine. If I have to shut down, maybe it’s for the best, who knows how much longer we’ll be here anyways.”
“Lily,” he sighed, shaking his head, “You know that’s just my nature, but you can’t give up. That’s not you, it’s not either one of you. Just stay strong and I’ll see what I can do about coming back more often,” he told her, grabbing her hand and giving it a squeeze. She managed a weak smile, but he knew he well and saw that small hint of the look she usually got when she got something that pleased her. He stood, pressing a small kiss to her forehead, then he realized what he did and hurried out. Casting one look back at her, he saw her smiling shyly, which made him blush. He knew this was leading to trouble, especially because dwarves were not meant to fall in love.
8
Title: hurtful truths
Prompt: Hurt/Comfort
Word Count: 667
Love. The one thing he couldn’t have. He wasn’t supposed to have. But he felt it. He knew it wasn’t a dream, it wasn’t a spell. After all, he was part human now. Happy, or Jack Harlan as he went by in town, swallowed. He knew if Grumpy, found out, well he’d be grumpier than usual, furious even. A sigh escaped Happy but he couldn’t wipe the smile from his face. Not when he saw her.
As the dwarves, well the six that remained dined for free at the most high end restaurant in town, he had the worst feeling he was going to get caught. Butterflies were whooshing in his stomach but he couldn’t help it. Grumpy continued to complain why they were there while Bashful calmly explained that their former boss wanted to do something nice for them. That was the story Happy had told them.
“Hey Jack, could you give me a hand?” came Lily’s voice from the kitchen.
Excusing himself from the table, he headed for the kitchen, where six plates of food were almost complete. She looked happier than she had from their last encounter. She looked in her element, perfect and in control, he swallowed.
“Earth to Jack,” she sang, snapping him from his thoughts.
“Sorry,” he apologized, “Uh, hey, can I tell you something?” he asked.
She didn’t look up from the stove, given she was a one woman crew in the kitchen, “Sure.”
“I, I think I’m starting to fall in love with you.”
Lily stopped, turned and blinked at him, “Did the constant flirting and sexual tension of the last 28 years just hit you? Yeah I was a hard ass, but did you realized it was always focused on you?”
“That’s not the point, Lily. I told you, dwarves can’t fall in love. But I am. I don’t…what if…I don’t want to hurt you. I couldn’t take it if I caused you pain.”
“That goes against you being Happy,” she joked, when he frowned at her she gave a sheepish smile, “Sorry.”
He sighed, “No, I mean, usually I’d try to be gentler about the whole situation but as you said, we don’t know how much time we have left in this world and I want to spend it with you.”
“The hell you are!” came Grumpy’s voice, they both jumped at his sudden appearance in the kitchen. “You can’t. You know this, you’ve seen what it’s done to me.”
“Oh, so you weren’t blessed with this lovely attitude?” Lily asked, her hands coming to rest on her hips, eyes set.
Grumpy let out a forceful chuckle, “No. I was born Dreamy, until the love of my life was ripped from me. And I became Grumpy. Do you want to ruin him like I was ruined? We need him as he is, we need Happy. We’re already down two Brothers from our team, don’t make it three. Let’s go.” he snapped.
Jack looked to Lily, who nodded, “It’s for the best,” she whispered.
Feeling his heart break, he turned around, following his brother from the kitchen, but not before he heard her start to cry.
It was later that evening, after a day of lecturing from Grumpy about how he had betrayed them. Lying to them about lunch just so he could get a piece of ass, how love gets you nowhere. All day, for hours, until Grumpy damn near lost his voice. He heard a knock on his door, climbing to his feet, he winced, it was not easy to get up after the long labor filled day he had. He was surprised to find Lily standing on his porch, looking up at him with her big doe eyes. “Screw him,” she stated, “That man can’t tell me how to live my life.”
“But he’s right,” Jack sighed, “And you-“
“I’ll live. At least I’ll have the memories, let Grumpy wallow, I’m staying.” she insisted, walking in past him as he closed the door behind him.
9
Title: Charming Angels
Prompts: Halloween Costumes
Word Count: 446
“This is ridiculous! What is this atrocity?” Belle demanded as an outfit came dangled over the curtain.
“It’s your Halloween Costume! Now shut up and put it on!” came the laughter of Ruby Lucas from the other side of the curtain.
Belle scoffed at it, it was an insult to be called clothing. It was short, tight and accentuated her in ways and made her look just obscene.
“Come ouuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuut!” Ruby was calling from behind the curtain, “Come out or I’m coming innnnnnnnnnnn!”
Belle couldn’t stop the ‘eep’ that left her mouth, “No! Don’t! People will-“
This made Ruby laugh harder, “Oh, they will think lots of things, especially because it’s me. But seriously, its only me back here, I’m the only one who can see you!”
“Fine! Fine!” Belle stated, she seized either side of the curtain and ripped them apart, and was not expecting Ruby’s jaw to drop. “What?” she demanded, crossing her arms over her chest in anger…and to hide the ample amount of cleavage the outfit showed.
Ruby just continued to stare, “Wow,” she breathed. “Don’t take this the wrong way but you’ve always been a mousey little thing with no sex appeal but now, even I’d do you.”
“RUBY!” Belle squealed, then grabbed the curtain and wrapped it around herself.
The other girl shrugged, “What? Honey, this isn’t our old world, ain’t no shame in telling your best friend how hot she looks. It’s a compliment or a come on, that’s up to you,” she winked.
“You’re impossible! Remind me why I’m friend with you,” Belle sighed, letting the curtain go and let out a yelp as Ruby spun her around. Belle looked at herself in the mirror, the costume which was apparently supposed to be a sexy representation of…well it was supposed to be an angel but with the lace up dress that left a tiny strip of her skin exposed from between her chest and down to her hips and tiny skirt, it certainly didn’t live up to its angelic inspiration.
“You love me,” Ruby grinned.
Belle laughed and couldn’t argue, “I do. But it could be worse, I could be wearing what you’re wearing,” she joked, looking back at Ruby who was wearing an outfit that was titled “Charming Cricket”. It was a seven piece costume with a velvet tail coat with high collar, lace up back suede corset (that stopped right above Ruby’s navel), suede shorts (which were more like underwear), a neckerchief and a mini top hat.
“Nah, you don’t have my ba-courage, I’ll say courage,” she grinned.
Belle smiled, “Not this year,” she confirmed, “But we’ll see how this goes.”
“That’s my girl!” Ruby cheered.
**Note, these costumes actually are real. If you search for Charming Cricket, you might find it. Beware its not really work safe ;)
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Hope you enjoy!!
I'm dead now...